🗳️ Primary day prep

Good morning, Stark County. Downtown Canton has found its new champion in Todd Herberghs, a former lawyer who traded legal briefs for community blueprints. The 46-year-old executive director of the Downtown Canton Partnership now channels his professional energy into First Friday events, business grants, and beautification efforts—proving that career pivots can lead to meaningful community transformation when passion meets purpose.

Meanwhile, May unfolds with opportunities across the county, from foster parenting information sessions to Wild Kratts Day at the McKinley Presidential Library. Don't forget—Tuesday's primary election arrives with important decisions on your ballot, including Issue 2 for public works funding and a Children Services levy. If you're heading to vote, double-check your polling location as several have changed, and remember to bring your unexpired photo ID when polls open at 6:30 a.m.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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Massillon

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North Canton

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Louisville

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Canal Fulton

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East Canton

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏙️ Canton's downtown revitalization has a new champion in Todd Herberghs. As executive director of the Downtown Canton Partnership, the 46-year-old former lawyer is dedicated to attracting visitors and businesses to the city center. The organization hosts monthly First Friday events, supports local businesses with grants, and maintains downtown's appearance through landscaping and cleanup efforts. Herberghs identifies Canton's top strengths as affordability, innovation opportunities for entrepreneurs, and exceptional community pride. His career shift from law to community development reflects his desire to make tangible impacts on the places he lives.

🏙️ Stark County buzzes with community events and services this May. Residents can learn about foster parenting through Stark County Job & Family Services at upcoming information sessions on Tuesday and June 3. The McKinley Presidential Library will host a "Wild Kratts Day" on May 10, while East Canton plans a free spring cleanup on May 17. Music fans can enjoy singer Lauren Mascitti at Massillon Museum on May 15, and outdoor enthusiasts should note that Stark Parks marinas open Saturday for the season. Two local conservation projects also received funding from the Ohio Public Works Commission.

🗳️ Tuesday's primary will decide key races in Stark County. Polls open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with voters deciding on primary contests in Canton, Massillon and Alliance, plus state and local issues. Issue 2 would increase funding for public works projects, while a 1.4-mill replacement levy for Children Services appears countywide. Several polling locations have changed in Canal Fulton, Lawrence Township, Jackson Township and Canton. Voters must present an unexpired photo ID such as an Ohio driver's license or U.S. passport.

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🙏 In Remembrance

Judy A. Catcott

Judith A. Catcott, 83, of Massillon, passed away on May 2, 2025, after a life dedicated to family and community service. Born in Canton, OH in 1941, she was married to her husband Gary for 44 years until his death in 2005. Judy was a devoted member of St. Barbara's Catholic Church for 60 years, volunteering for various church activities, and enjoyed reading, sewing, quilting, and puzzles. She is survived by her four children, nine grandchildren, two brothers, a sister, and a sister-in-law, with funeral services scheduled for May 9th at St. Barbara Catholic Church.

Arlene L. Bielz

Arlene L. Bielz, 86, passed away from respiratory failure on May 1, 2025, after being born in Alliance, OH in 1938 and working at Custom Poly Bag for 32 years. She is survived by her four children, numerous grandchildren, step-grandchildren, great-grandchildren, a sister, and a brother. Her parents, husband Raymond "Gene" Bielz, and brother William preceded her in death. A memorial visitation will be held on May 8, 2025, at Cassaday-Turkle-Christian Funeral Home, with burial at Marlboro Cemetery to follow at a later date.

Mary Grace And Margaret Jane Miller

Twin infant daughters, Mary Grace and Margaret Jane Miller, of Austin and Abigail Miller from Dover, were born sleeping on April 29, 2025, at Aultman Hospital in Canton. They are survived by their parents, sister Josephine, several grandparents, aunts, uncles, and great-grandparents, while joining their deceased great-grandparents in heaven. Their parents expressed profound love for their "miracle babies" and "warriors," who overcame many challenges with strength and grace before becoming "guardian angels." A private family service will be held on May 4, 2025, at West Lawn Cemetery in Winesburg.

John A. Hershberger

John A. Hershberger, 80, of Mt Eaton, passed away on May 2, 2025, at Sycamore Run Nursing and Rehabilitation center. Born in 1944 to Andrew and Mattie Hershberger, John worked as a milk hauler, logger, and long-distance truck driver before retirement, and enjoyed spending time at Lake Erie with family and his Chihuahua, Puncher. He is survived by his four children, eight grandchildren, and fifteen great-grandchildren, with funeral services scheduled for May 7, 2025, at Longenecker Evangelical Anabaptist Fellowship. The family suggests honoring John's memory by enjoying a sunset with loved ones or performing an act of kindness rather than sending flowers.

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🔥 Community rescue squad

🌪️ Stormy forecast pivot

🌤 Sky Skoop

☕️ What's Brewing Locally

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

🙏 In Remembrance